| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Proper Window Height | 11/15/2009 |
Q: My husband and I are at odds about window height placement in our living room. The living room is ...
A: if this is a symmetry issue, then what does the exterior of the house look like right now? If you ...
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| Architecture as a hobby/career | 11/4/2009 |
Q: Henry, without proper degree and education, would anyone even consider looking at your drawings? If ...
A: If you have a burning spark for the art of architecture and can grasp the basics of general wood ...
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| Architecture! | 10/6/2009 |
Q: my name is Raj and I am currently in high school in grade 11 and is really wanting to become an ...
A: art and science are the two pillars of the definition of architecture. I can tell you that very ...
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| Concrete block one story house | 10/2/2009 |
Q: I read your comments about building single family residences with concrete block and I understand ...
A: Concrete block is used extensively in Florida. Termites can't eat through it, no mold and very ...
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| Architecture | 9/21/2009 |
Q: Mr. Henry. I know this is an unusual question, but in terms of architecture, what makes a house look ...
A: best question asked to date.... haunted any house in any style that is unkept, shuttered, ...
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| Architecture/School/Other | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I am 16 years old and am extremely interested in residential architecture and building design but I ...
A: If there was a time to walk into an office and ask it is now due to the slow construction economy. ...
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| becoming a legit architect | 8/17/2009 |
Q: I have just realized that I love architecture--looking at it, experiencing it, creating it. I grab ...
A: The odd shape I mentioned... sample of one building of this type is the Rasin Building by Gehry. Do ...
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| becoming a legit architect | 8/16/2009 |
Q: I have just realized that I love architecture--looking at it, experiencing it, creating it. I grab ...
A: Great to hear you have a keen interest in this field. Becoming a 'legit architect' means passing an ...
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| Taking my business internationally. | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I am an Interior Designer. I have been in the design industry for more than 8 years. I have my own ...
A: This is a tough question for me as I have not attempted opening an office overseas. My first idea ...
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| School Question | 7/25/2009 |
Q: My question pertains to interior architecture. However I can't seem to find the right forum; I'm ...
A: I see. A two year degree will let you work with a residential interior designer quicker than a ...
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| School Question | 7/24/2009 |
Q: My question pertains to interior architecture. However I can't seem to find the right forum; I'm ...
A: An Assoc. degree is normally a four year degree. I received this at Texas A&M University; it was ...
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| residential house architects selection | 7/9/2009 |
Q: My husband and I just purchased a beautiful 4 acre piece of land and are planning on 3-4 yrs before ...
A: Referrals from friends first are a good place to start looking for an architect. Having satisfied ...
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| architecture | 6/27/2009 |
Q: I had a look at your site and I was a bit disappointed. Since Vitruvius is important to you, what is ...
A: Vitruvius is as important today (three precepts: utility, longevity, and grace) for architects and ...
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| Support Pillars | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I want to build a 2-story house with a kind of sunroom. My problem is: if the "sunroom" is about ...
A: with normal wood framing you should be able to span 10 feet and even twelve, so that you will need ...
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| Window function | 6/9/2009 |
Q: My daughter just bought a nice english cottage [tudor] style home. Now we notice hundreds of this ...
A: No doubt this could have been simply a security measure -- a way to be handed goods through a ...
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| A question from a newcomer | 6/7/2009 |
Q: it’s nice to meet you. I am an architect who has just graduated in Barcelona (Spain), from both ...
A: Miami is probably a very good choice to relocate. There is a difficult construction recession now as ...
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| Window function | 6/7/2009 |
Q: My daughter just bought a nice english cottage [tudor] style home. Now we notice hundreds of this ...
A: Steve, I think someone has asked this before. I need to see a photo of a few of these homes before I ...
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| in general..:) | 5/25/2009 |
Q: John. what can an architect do with advanced bridges? and if he can do something, can't a civil ...
A: Architects are not trained specifically to deal with the complex structural requirements for bridge ...
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| Questions about the attic | 5/18/2009 |
Q: Henry: I am having a problem with the attic in my home. I have heard animals in the attic and am ...
A: Not sure how to answer this. If you have found only one possible way for a critter to get into your ...
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| raising ceilings | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Is it ever possible to raise the ceilings in an apartment(in a building)? Thanks
A: It is always possible to raise the ceilings in most houses or apartments. BUT: if it is not your own ...
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| Career in real estate development | 5/13/2009 |
Q: My name is Rashad. I’m in the process of registering for school at a 2 year college. I want to ...
A: Yes, these are courses that would be valuable in becoming a builder more than a developer. You ...
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| architecture | 5/11/2009 |
Q: where and for whom can you work on completion of the architect course?
A: If you are referring to the University program for a 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree, you can ...
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| A Deck for a Tudor house | 5/8/2009 |
Q: We are thinking of adding a deck onto our Tudor style house but haven't a clue what would look ...
A: Is this going to be a covered or open deck? If covered, here are some images to consider: ...
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| A Deck for a Tudor house | 5/3/2009 |
Q: We are thinking of adding a deck onto our Tudor style house but haven't a clue what would look ...
A: Klasssen, Your Tudor seems to be a more contemporary iteration. I would use the same stained or ...
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| floorplan questions | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I was looking around on the internet at various floorplans and I have a couple of questions. First, ...
A: Yes, hall closets and any other feature 'under the roof' is typically included when referencing ...
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| How to find an internship | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I am a senior at Texas A&M and I need an internship in order to graduate. I have been searching but ...
A: I would start by calling firms in your area first, then in larger cities: Houston and Dallas. Your ...
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| How to find an internship | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I am a senior at Texas A&M and I need an internship in order to graduate. I have been searching but ...
A: Unfortunately, not a good time to find any kind of job in this field. I am not sure why you need an ...
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| How viable is it to pursue Classical Architecture in today's world? | 3/14/2009 |
Q: Henry, I am currently pursuing my architecture degree at Notre Dame (I am in my first year). ...
A: Let me ramble... I learned the general 'rules' of classicism through my own research (visits to ...
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| Architecture - Siding | 3/13/2009 |
Q: I'm interested in purchasing a particular property that has been framed but not finished. This home ...
A: An uncompleted house may have several issues. Sheathing may have allowed moisture to penetrate and ...
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| 1875 Home | 2/22/2009 |
Q: and one on the other. They are bolted from on beam on the bottom (visible in the cellar, and bolted ...
A: a large Victorian roof means much weight bearing down on your walls. The actual forces involved ...
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| 1875 Home | 2/22/2009 |
Q: and one on the other. They are bolted from on beam on the bottom (visible in the cellar, and bolted ...
A: This is a structural engineering question but I will offer some possible rationale for these rods. I ...
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| Ward Williams Ward | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I live in Rochester NY and grew up in Syracuse. In both cities there are several houses supposedly ...
A: The name of this architect does not come up in any of my searches either. You can contact the ...
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| Kitchen remodel -- need architect? | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I'm planning my first major project in my house, a total kitchen remodel. I don't know if I need an ...
A: No architect is needed unless structural changes to the frame of the house are required. Moving any ...
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| Classical Architecture | 2/13/2009 |
Q: Mr. Henry, Several months ago, I came across your website, and I was extremely pleased with what I ...
A: Catania, Welcome to the 'great brainwashing'. Most schools of architecture with the exception of ...
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| Architecture | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I am a ninth grader in high school and I want to be an architect. I have no idea what sciences are ...
A: You should talk with your guidance counselor and review college catalogs describing the course ...
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| i have a report and need an interview | 1/30/2009 |
Q: 1. how long did you attend college for this program? 2. was it worth all the hard work and ...
A: I have a Bachelor degree in Environmental Design (4 year program) and a Master degree (1.5 years), ...
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| urban palnning career | 1/29/2009 |
Q: I m someone who joy planning , doing strategies , design , create , development & future vision is ...
A: In this country civil engineers are mostly planners who have degrees from that type of program. ...
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| urban palnning career | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I m someone who joy planning , doing strategies , design , create , development & future vision is ...
A: Urban Planning has some technical and mathematical components but it is largely about social issues, ...
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| Foundation type? | 1/8/2009 |
Q: What type of foundation would be best? I would like to do the home addition. Here is the specs: ...
A: The 6x6 option will be less expensive but for aesthetics, I would put in 12 inch diameter round ...
|
| Fireplace removal | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I have a fireplace that is in an undesirable location. Can it be removed ? What type of service ...
A: Is the fireplace a prefab unit or brick or stone wood burning fireplace? Drop in gas fired only ...
|
| Industry Standard | 12/23/2008 |
Q: here is my question. Which program do you think is the industry's standard,"Chief Architect" or ...
A: Nearly all U.S. engineering firms use Autodesk products, and this is confirmed by overseas ...
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| Question about architectural college | 12/2/2008 |
Q: I'm a homeschooling student planning to go to college, and I've been thinking about different ...
A: If new urbanism is the main line of interest, investigate schools that tout this specialty. Harvard ...
|
| Follow-up | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I could totally see where you thought that was a homework question. I should have given you a ...
A: 3,000 feet in height is about half a mile. There is not much limiting the area per floor for half a ...
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| question please | 10/31/2008 |
Q: when I m contemplating or concentrating in something usually grasping a pen without feeling I find ...
A: Many people doodle on paper when trying to find a way out of a mental problem. In your case, as a ...
|
| Building Footprint | 10/21/2008 |
Q: I have come across various definitions of building footprint and am now quite confused. Below are ...
A: Strictly speaking building footprint is the first floor projection at grade only to the edge of ...
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| What does an Interior Designer do at an Architectural Firm? | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I'm an Interior Design student trying to decide which path I'd like to take. I'm interested in ...
A: A separate department for Interior Design is normally found in a mid to large size commercial firm. ...
|
| addition to house on hill | 9/11/2008 |
Q: We have an older home with a full basement, with a man made hill surrounding it, over 50 years. We ...
A: I wish I could answer you with experience on this type of addition but most of my work is in the ...
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| architechture and real estate | 9/10/2008 |
Q: i was just wondering if my poor art will affect the chance of me becoming an architect. more so i ...
A: You may be surprised how so many architects cannot draw well free hand. With a computer you can do ...
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| Copyrights for Architectural plans | 9/10/2008 |
Q: I understand the copyright laws cover buildings, homes, etc. I've read somewhere that they do not ...
A: You will have to consult a copyright attorney to find out exactly if the garage you have in mind to ...
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| a start in the right direction | 9/4/2008 |
Q: I've had a great passion for designing houses since I was a little girl. I took 2 years of drafting ...
A: Architecture has more than a utilitarian purpose. Vitruvius is considered the first theoretician for ...
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| Fictional architecture - an intentional mess? | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I'm writing a novel and in it, have created a place that’s intended to be a mixture of classic ...
A: I have seen Napoleon's mausoleum in Paris. One huge red marble coffin shaped sarcophagus. ...
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| Fictional architecture - an intentional mess? | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I'm writing a novel and in it, have created a place that’s intended to be a mixture of classic ...
A: Cathedrals had underground crypts (hidden areas). In Jordan there is a group of religious building ...
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| Fictional architecture - an intentional mess? | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I'm writing a novel and in it, have created a place that’s intended to be a mixture of classic ...
A: This is an interesting project. But... What you describe might be very like the Duomo in Florence ...
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| Cold Climate House | 8/26/2008 |
Q: I live in the far north of Pakistan which is called northern Areas, is very cold almost for 8 ...
A: The best insulating material has air molecules trapped in some kind of binder, as cellulose ...
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| a start in the right direction | 8/26/2008 |
Q: I've had a great passion for designing houses since I was a little girl. I took 2 years of drafting ...
A: The architect is best trained theoretically but many draftspersons have a better understanding how a ...
|
| From ranch to French Country | 8/20/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of redoing the exterior of our home. We have a ranch with a 4:12 pitch and ...
A: Yes, split pitches may work best for you. Front to back and side to side can be different. Draw the ...
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| Questions Regarding Architect As A Career | 8/20/2008 |
Q: Alex writing. I'm in year 10 in Adealide, Australia, and am keen to get into the career as an ...
A: How you prepare now is based on what you want to do later. You may wish to start your own business ...
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| From ranch to French Country | 8/19/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of redoing the exterior of our home. We have a ranch with a 4:12 pitch and ...
A: You should look at an 8 to 12:12 pitch to see what looks the best. Construct the new roof over the ...
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| roof style on a Tudor house | 8/11/2008 |
Q: John Henry, We have a house, built in 1930, that's always been referred to as a Tudor - and it does ...
A: Yes, there have been oriental versions of most architectural mainline styles. This may also be a ...
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| brick building ledger board | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I need to replace a walk up deck on a three story brick building. How would the ledger boards be ...
A: You will need to make a structural connection between the deck material and the wood, steel, or ...
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| obtaining blueprints | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I stayed at a lovely old turn of the century hispanic villa in Corpus Christi, TX, and loved it so ...
A: Fleming, The only place that would have the original copies or blueprints are the architect who ...
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| Architect's Fees in the USA | 7/4/2008 |
Q: How can I acquire the recommended architect's fees in the USA. Do they differ by state or can I get ...
A: There are no recommended fees for architects in the USA. The American Institute of Architects ...
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| Codes minimum size and opinion | 7/2/2008 |
Q: What is your opinion on putting the toilet in a separate room in the bathroom. I think that it ...
A: Many Europeans especially think that separating a toilet completely out of the bath area is ...
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| Am I capable to be an Architect? | 7/1/2008 |
Q: My name is Nicol, and I am a 17 years old student living in Canada, Toronto. I have some questions ...
A: The university program is not terribly difficult and won't be if you enjoy the math and physics. ...
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| Architecture and Interior Design | 6/29/2008 |
Q: I'm a high school student who is interested in architecture and interior design, and would like to ...
A: Many people double major initially. Architecture is about both the inside and outside of a building, ...
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| Roof for Deck | 6/25/2008 |
Q: I'm planning to install a roof to my deck, which is attached to the house. My deck is 10X10 and is ...
A: I assume an open deck and a one story house. You will need to beef up the foundation of the deck in ...
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| problem in building first floor | 6/1/2008 |
Q: . i am building house , 1st floor . 3 years back i raised pillar from roof level up to lentil level ...
A: This issue must be corroborated with a structural engineer. If this is a concrete frame house of two ...
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| problem in building first floor | 5/29/2008 |
Q: . i am building house , 1st floor . 3 years back i raised pillar from roof level up to lentil level ...
A: Steel rods in pillars suggest concrete frame. If you have these erected already and the engineer ...
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| urban reconstruction | 5/27/2008 |
Q: I would like to take an urban building that is 22' x 80' and have it built into a combination ...
A: You can ask an architect for a feasibility sketch design to see how this geometry would work with ...
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| hairline cracking on the ceiling | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I am buying a house with hairline cracking on the ceiling in the den, hallway near the vent and ...
A: This type of hillside location can cause shifts in foundation resulting in the hairline cracks. ...
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| hairline cracking on the ceiling | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I am buying a house with hairline cracking on the ceiling in the den, hallway near the vent and ...
A: Reason of cracking depends on several things: Age of house Humidity change How new is the crack? ...
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| Steel Beam Issues (Home) | 5/7/2008 |
Q: I have a question that deals with the steel beam in the basement that runs the complete distance ...
A: This is a question that a structural engineer must answer. The steel beam should absorb weight of ...
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| front building columns and high stairs | 5/2/2008 |
Q: Have you read anywhere why people in ancient times built buildings with those big and tall columns ...
A: Let's start with Egypt. The columns were first probably shorter and made from wood. Early ...
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| first - ground floor | 4/17/2008 |
Q: If I'm not mistaken the American FIRST floor in a building is called GROUND floor in England. Am I ...
A: The Continental manner of naming the floors apparently has to do with the way palaces were built. ...
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| Can you help me identify the type of architecture I have? | 4/12/2008 |
Q: I live in the hills out side of Managua Nicaragua and have recently bought a house with a ...
A: Without a photo this is difficult to ascertain. Since it was built in 1941 we are looking at late ...
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| Missing Dimensions | 4/8/2008 |
Q: Would it be considered proper practice to scale construction drawings that were missing dimensions?
A: the best route is to contact the architect to verify any dimension that is missing from a ...
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| Minimum dimensions for a bathroom | 4/6/2008 |
Q: I am going to have a small bathroom built that only has a toilet and one vanity in it. I would like ...
A: If this is for a single family residence that has other bathrooms, whether original or remodeled, ...
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| architectural drafting | 3/31/2008 |
Q: how many people do you work with in the architectural drafting or the CAD
A: Each project has an assigned chief draftsperson in order to maintain the integrity of the design. ...
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| Raise other side of cape roof? | 3/6/2008 |
Q: My question is that i have a cape that i would like to raise the other side of the roof so i can add ...
A: As long as the first floor can take the added weight of a two story projection above then you are ...
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| pergola fomula and rafter spacing | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I am building a pergola over a large deck (20'x35'). My 2'x10' rafters run the 20' direction and ...
A: If it is unsupported at an intermediate point, a twenty foot span sounds too far for 2x10s in the ...
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| innovative concepts in urban planning | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I am student styding in an architecture college. In the present semester we have been given a topic ...
A: The most successful (marketable and therefore most accepted) new concepts for viable or innovative ...
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| Support beam of aluminum | 1/20/2008 |
Q: I am replacing a 7 inch tall wood beam in a car port with a 2x4 inch rectangle pipe with 1/8 inch ...
A: I will have to defer to a structural engineer for this. No architect is truly qualified to answer ...
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| innovative concepts in urban planning | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I am student styding in an architecture college. In the present semester we have been given a topic ...
A: It looks like you are being asked to research urban planning projects that have covenants counter to ...
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| Orange Peel Texture | 1/17/2008 |
Q: In our spec Book it is specific to (Roll Paint to Orange Peel Finish) I personally have never done ...
A: Texturing drywall in this method requires two applications of a creamy mix of compound and ...
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| building | 1/7/2008 |
Q: i plan on building a home approx.2000sq. 2 story 4 corners. quad lock blocks. is there a site that ...
A: Normally the manufacturer can give you a take off on materials cost and labor if you submit a floor ...
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| Window Replacement | 12/30/2007 |
Q: Our contractor replaced the windows in our small ranch home with six pane and others with eight ...
A: We have mixed window types on pricey homes, yes. Aluminum wrapped wood windows, such as Hurd on ...
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| question regardng housing | 12/23/2007 |
Q: i am a student doing architecture course in India presently in 4th year. recently i we had been done ...
A: This is an issue concerning the basic craft of elevation design. The geometry of each facade on a ...
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| Relocating Fireplaces/Removing & Rebuilding | 12/17/2007 |
Q: We are looking at a home to purchase in Tiburon but the fireplaces (one in family room and one ...
A: If the fireplaces are wood burning they are stacked for structural reasons and have a flu from the ...
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